PETITION TARGET: President of the Iowa Senate and Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives
Over 7,300 animal-vehicle collisions — most involving white-tailed deer — are reported annually in Iowa. Yet this figure may only tell part of the story, as about 40% of deer crashes go unreported.
Now, a new state bill seeks to address this issue by establishing a committee to study the feasibility of installing wildlife crossings in areas with high rates of animal-vehicle collisions.
If enacted, House Study Bill 562 would require the committee to rank highway locations across Iowa with the most animal-vehicle collisions and offer recommendations to reduce these incidents, such as overpasses, underpasses, and fencing. In addition, the committee would need to include a grant request strategy in its report.
Research has shown that wildlife crossings can reduce vehicle collisions by 97%. As natural habitats shrink, wildlife populations decline, and both animals and people continue to be injured or killed in these crashes, projects like these are increasingly essential.
Sign our petition urging Iowa lawmakers to support this legislation and invest in proven solutions that protect animals and drivers.
